The 2024 Election & Architecture Practice: A Design Perspective from ADR

Vice President Kamala Harris | Courtesy NBC News

Positive Initiatives from the Biden-Harris Administration

The Biden-Harris administration has introduced several initiatives that have a significant positive impact on the field of architecture:

1. Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP): This program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, provides substantial funding for energy efficiency and climate resilience upgrades in HUD-assisted multifamily housing. This initiative supports architects in designing greener, safer, and more sustainable housing, particularly for low-income families and seniors .
2. America the Beautiful Challenge: As part of the Investing in America agenda, this initiative offers up to $119 million in grants for locally led conservation projects. These projects not only restore lands and waters but also provide opportunities for architects to integrate sustainable and environmentally conscious designs into their projects .
3. Wildfire Response and Management: With increased funding and strategic priorities to reduce wildfire risks, architects can leverage these resources to design fire-resistant buildings and landscapes, enhancing community resilience to wildfires .

Potentially Harmful Initiatives from the Biden-Harris Administration

Despite the positive initiatives, some policies could have adverse effects on the architecture field:

1. Increased Regulatory Burdens: The administration’s focus on stringent environmental regulations can sometimes lead to increased costs and delays in project approvals. While these regulations aim to protect the environment, they can pose challenges for architects and developers, particularly for smaller firms with limited resources.
2. Tax Policy Changes: Changes in tax policies affecting real estate and development incentives can impact the financial feasibility of architectural projects. For instance, alterations in tax credits for historic preservation or low-income housing can influence project planning and execution.

Former President Donald Trump | Courtesy Google

Impact of Trump-Era Policies on Architecture

Several initiatives from the Trump administration have had lasting negative impacts on the field of architecture:

1. Reduction of Environmental Regulations: The rollback of numerous environmental protections under the Trump administration led to concerns about sustainable development practices. These rollbacks included weakening the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and relaxing fuel efficiency standards, which could hinder efforts to create environmentally sustainable buildings.
2. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Implemented in December 2017, the TCJA reduced corporate tax rates, which initially seemed beneficial. However, it also limited deductions for state and local taxes (SALT), impacting funding for public projects and infrastructure, which in turn affected opportunities for architectural firms involved in such projects.

Project 2025 | Courtesy Washington Post

Trump’s Project 2025 and Its Potential Impact

Former President Trump’s Project 2025 outlines a conservative vision for the next presidential term, aiming to further reduce federal regulations and promote economic growth. However, several aspects of this plan could negatively impact the architectural profession:

1. Further Deregulation: Project 2025 emphasizes significant deregulation across various sectors, potentially undermining environmental protections and sustainable building practices. This could lead to more developments that do not prioritize environmental sustainability  .
2. Reduction in Federal Funding: The project proposes cuts to federal spending on public infrastructure and housing programs, which could reduce opportunities for architects to engage in federally funded projects that promote sustainable and affordable housing.

Combating Negative Provisions

Architects can take proactive steps to combat these negative provisions:

1. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: By actively participating in advocacy groups and professional organizations, architects can influence policy decisions and advocate for sustainable and supportive regulations.
2. Innovative Design Solutions: Emphasizing innovation in design and construction can help mitigate the impacts of reduced environmental regulations. Utilizing green technologies and sustainable materials can showcase the feasibility and benefits of environmentally conscious architecture.
3. Leveraging Grants and Incentives: Architects should stay informed about available grants and incentives, such as those offered by the Biden-Harris administration, to support sustainable projects and offset regulatory challenges.

AIA Logo | Courtesy Google

The Future: A Call to Action

   The recent decision of President Joe Biden to not seek re-election underscores the importance of the upcoming election, where Vice President Kamala Harris stands as a key candidate. Her administration promises to continue and expand upon the positive initiatives introduced during Biden’s tenure. Ensuring her election could mean continued support for sustainable architecture, increased funding for resilience projects, and robust environmental protections that benefit the field.

   Last summer, the AIA took a strong stance against federal mandates such as Trump’s HR.964/S.366, which sought to impose classical architectural styles for federal buildings. The AIA advocated for the preservation of architectural diversity and the importance of contextually appropriate design. By mobilizing its members and leveraging its advocacy network, the AIA successfully highlighted the detrimental impacts of such mandates on architectural creativity and community needs. This effort underscores the AIA’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity and autonomy of the architectural profession through policy engagement.

Conclusion

   Navigating the complex landscape of federal initiatives and policies is crucial for the architecture field. Jai Blyden ADR is committed to advocating for sustainable and supportive policies, leveraging positive initiatives, and mitigating the impacts of potentially harmful provisions. As we look to the future, the importance of informed and proactive engagement in the political process cannot be overstated. The upcoming election presents a critical opportunity to shape the future of our field and ensure continued support for sustainable and resilient architectural practices.

Jai Blyden ADR

Jai Blyden Architecture, Design, and Research (ADR) is dedicated to pioneering sustainable and resilient architectural practices. The aim to advance the field through innovation, education, and advocacy, focusing on creating environments that are functional and promote the well-being of communities and the planet. As ADR looks forward to establishing a Congressional Action Institute, the mission is to influence and guide policy for the betterment of the architectural profession and society at large.

References:

1. U.S. Department of Energy. (2024). Green and Resilient Retrofit Program. DOE.gov.
2. U.S. Department of the Interior. (2024). America the Beautiful Challenge. DOI.gov.
3. U.S. Department of the Interior. (2024). Wildfire Response and Management. DOI.gov.
4. The White House. (2023). Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Overview. WhiteHouse.gov.
5. The Washington Post. (2023). Trump’s Project 2025 and Its Implications. WashingtonPost.com.